Member Article

Entrepreneurial sisters launch Stockton-based vintage craft shop

Vintage and craft-design purveyors, Lucy and Sophie Owens have turned a passion for unearthing and restoring unique items into a North East-based business.

The sister act, who have been running craft fairs across the area for the past two years, have launched Solo Styles a unique shop giving local designers the chance to show off their work.

Operating from a restored cottage at Hartburn’s Elmwood Centre in Hartburn, in Stockton, the sisters see the shop as a natural extension to their own collection displays and the network of traders who exhibit at their fairs.

Lucy explained: “We’re both fascinated by all things which are different and individual which is why we first started running the fairs in the first place.

“We love finding items and restoring them for own collection from sources such as auctions and we will pick up literally anything interesting, from vintage tea sets to chairs and suitcases.

“Of course fairs are a great opportunity to show what we can offer but we’ve received a lot of feedback suggesting we should have a permanent base which is why we decided to look for premises. The Elmwood Centre was ideal as it’s one of regular fair venues there and our shop complements the popular vintage tea rooms in the building.”

Sophie added: “As well our own stock we know from our experience of the fairs that there are some really great designers and craft workers in the area which is why we are keen to use Solo Styles as a ‘shop window’ for their work.

“We already have a great choice, including locally produced ceramics and glassware, handmade leather purses and handbags, jewellery, textiles and soft furnishings and originally designed cards.”

The sisters are also planning to expand their activities to include craft classes for both adults and children but they still aim to keep up the fairs programme. Their next events take place at Yarm Fellowship Hall on Saturday, July 16th and at the Elmwood Centre on Saturday, July 30th.